I received a very threatening and disturbing comment a few days ago on a blog post, these comments I normally delete as they serve no purpose. But this comment does serve a purpose and there is a legitimate gripe. This person appears to be the sister of an Autistic girl who can’t communicate with the rest of the world, and she seems very upset with how I disagree with Autism Speaks.
I received the following comment to a post about Autism Speaks:
thts rediculous what about autistic children that cnt speak at all i think you are stupid; hooray for all the kids with autism and can speak im happy for them but my brother cant and i think this is a great program…go jump off a bridge.
First off, I would like to say – this person has a legitimate issue with me. But let me explain my stance. Every Autistic individual I have met has been able to communicate with the world – some more easier then others. Some use Sign Language, others use assistive technology, or some even point to pictures of what they want – but they communicate.
I can’t pretend to understand your frusteration – but I do understand where you are comming from. I think this is something that really needs to be addressed by Autism Self Advocists – what about the autistic people that at this time cannot communicate?
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Talachie notwithstanding eh?
Tallahachie, how do you spell that?
oh well that song was running in my head when I posted.
Whatever one should be allowed to legitimately disagree with any organisation, a constitutional right surely.
I don’t think even autism speaks has defenestrated the opposition yet or thrown them off a bridge
Tallahatchie, I believe. It’s a river in Mississippi.
I only recently discovered the Housatonic was a river in Massachusets, that’s what you get for listening to Charles Ives.
US rivers have such picturesque names.
My local river is called the Sowe, and then there is the Avon, which just means river in Welsh
I don’t think the negative emotion of that comment was intended for you, actually. I think it is a rip/jab from the commenter on Autism Speaks choice of their agency’s name, as the commenters brother doesn’t speak.
As someone who has been told to “jump off a bridge” myself I can certainly empathise with your gripe, Zach! There are some who certainly overstate the importance of speaking as a communication line. I wonder what this person’s attitude is towards someone who is mute for example? Technology is highly advanced and has the ability to provide alternative communication lines, and for someone to try to – in effect – discourage that is downright disgusting.
i think she meant that there’s people out there who have serious autism..and people with asperger’s don’t represent all the people on the spectrum..there’s more severe cases that really affect people’s quality of life..and they’ll never be able to do things on their own
This girl seems to be somewhat misinformed–about your point of view as well as the activities of Autism Speaks.
My son did not say a word until he was 5 years-old, so I can certainly relate to her frustration about her brother. Nevertheless, I do agree with you that non-verbal communication is certainly a way to express yourself as well.
Maybe it is her own lack of non-verbal communication skills that upsets her?
As far as Autism Speaks goes, I cannot say that they paint a fair picture of the autistic community. I do believe however, that their main goal is to raise awareness for early intervention. They are trying to ‘speak’ for the babies and toddlers who will no doubt benefit from early therapy services.
So maybe you should take a step back and look at everything from a distance. Sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees.